Gameboard, chance control means and peg operated instruction means



1965 M. GLASS ETAL 3,169,763

\ GAMEBOARD, CHANCE CONTROL MEANS AND PEG OPERATED INSTRUCTION MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Oct. 6, 1961 4g 47 21 5271015 MHPV/N 61/955 Feb. 16, 1965 M. I. GLASS ETAL 3,169,768

GAMEBOARD, CHANCE CONTROL MEANS AND PEG OPERATED INSTRUCTION MEANS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed Oct. 6, 1961 l/L/ III] //////I1I/Ill J9 3.6

3,169,768 Patented Feb. I6, 1965 3,169,763 GAMEEGARD, QIIANGE QONTRGL MEAN? AND PEG OPERATED INSTRUCTIGN MEANS Marvin I. Glass, Burton C. Meyer, and Henry Stan, Cincago, FL, assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, to Marvin Glass and Associates, (Ihicago, Ill a partnership Filed Get. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 143,418 4 (Ilaims. (Cl. 273-134) The invention relates generally to peg games in which a peg is inserted into a game board according to the play of a game as determined, as for instance, by the play of a spinner. More particularly, the invention relates to peg games in which a visual, or other effect, is produced as a result of the insertion of a peg into a preselected opening in the game board.

Various arrangements have been employed to make peg games more interesting and stimulating to the players. Such arrangements have included the use of special instructions which are associated with a particular hole or opening and which, when a peg is reposed in the hole at the end of a play, aifect the further play of the game. For instance, such instructions might require that the player move back a certain number of holes or spaces, or that the player take an extra turn or lose a turn. In some games, the game board is arranged to cause projection out of the board of an indicator as an incident to insertion of a peg into a particular hole. This action feature adds enjoyment to the game by reason of the resulting visual activity. However, apart from the anticipation of the random placement of pegs in particular holes as a result of the play of a spinner, the throw of a die, or otherwise, such prior action features have not added to the suspense of the game, or realized their full potential for increasing the enjoyment of the game, as each insertion of peg into the associated hole always resulted in operation of the action feature.

The invention disclosed herein has for its principal object the provision of a peg game in which an action feature associated with a particular hole is caused to occur at random in response to the insertion of a peg into the particular hole.

Another object of the invention is the provision of peg game including a randomly operated action feature which will provide highly entertaining activity over a prolonged period of time. The invention also has for one of its objects the provision of a peg game incorporating electrically or pneumatically controlled audio or visual effects which are arranged to occur either independently of, or in cooperation with, a random operator.

In addition to the provision of various action features which may or may not be randomly operated, increased enjoyment can be obtained in a peg or other similar game by incorporating a spinner mechanism which includes an arrangement for producing a suitable sound effect adapted to add to the attraction of the game. Thus, another of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of a spinner mechanism for determining the play of a peg game or the like, which mechanism produces a sound effect incident to spinning operation.

In general, another principal object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved peg game. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings of one embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one peg game incorporating various of the features of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional View taken generally along line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 with certain parts removed and with the components of the random operation mechanism shown in a position in which operation of the associated action feature will not occur;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGURE 3 with the components of the random operation mechanism shown in a position for causing operation of the action feature;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 showing a second form of action feature associated with the random operation mechanism;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURES 2 and 5 showing an electrical switch in connection with the random operation mechanism;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged plane view of an action feature which is located in the lower left hand corner of the game showing in FIGURE 1 and which combines both visual and auditory actions;

FIGURE 8 is a partially broken away, side sectional view of the mechanism shown generally in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged plane view, with the cover shell shown in phantom, of the spinner mechanism incorporated in the upper left hand corner of the game shown in FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational view, with certain parts in section, of the spinner mechanism shown in FIGURE 9.

A peg game in accordance with the invention embodies a game board 21 including a playing face 23 having therein a series of openings or holes 25 which are each adapted to receive a peg 27 (see FIGURE 2) in accordance with the play of the game. Associated with certain of the holes are action feature devices which are operable in cident to the insertion of the peg into the associated hole. Certain of the action features have associated therewith, as shown in FIGURE 2, a mechanism or means 29 engageable by the peg, when inserted into the associated hole, for randomly operating the associated action feature. Various kinds of action features can be employed. One such action feature, as shown in FIGURE 2, includes an element 31 which can be projected from a generally concealed position into projecting relation to the playing face. In the disclosed construction the element 31 takes the form of a ghost, although the element could portray other figures or could bear instructions. If desired, the action feature can be arranged so that the element 31 moves from a position partially above the board to a concealed position fully below the board.

Other action features can be operated or controlled either by an electrical switch or by a flow of fiuid. In such instances, insertion of the peg into a preselected hole in the playing face 23 can be arranged to operate a switch or to produce a fiow of fluid. Furthermore, the action feature can take the form of a sound effect which is produced, incident to the insertion of the peg into the preselected hole, either by mechanical, electrical, or fluid operated arrangements. In addition, the sound effect can be arranged to occur in cooperation with a visual efiect. Moreover, as already indicated, the action feature can be caused to operate at random by coupling the random operation mechanism 29 with the action feature.

Also included in the disclosed peg game is a spinner mechanism 33 which operates to produce a sound effect incident to spinning operation and which also serves to clearly indicate the next play of the game, thereby avoiding any controversy between the players.

Various types of game boards having various different playing faces can be used. For instance, the game board can be fabricated of plastic, cardboard, or other suitable material, and can be constructed in any suitable manner to produce a void or chamber 35 (see FIGURE 2) beneath the playing'face 23 for housing an action feature operating mechanism in position for engagement by a peg inserted into the associated hole in the playing face. In the disclosed construction, the game board 21 is also suitably adapted for mounting the spinner mecha nism 33. Specifically, the disclosed game board includes a base or tray 37 incorporating various studs and brackets for supporting the operating components, together with the playing face 23 which overlies the base 37 and is apertured as desired to provide the holes 25 and a viewing aperture 39 for the spinner mechanism 353.

The playing face 23 can have portrayed thereon, in connection with the holes therein, games of many different arrangements. For instance, the holes 25 can be arranged to provide a path, or a number of parallel paths, along which pegs are moved in accordance with the play of a spinner, the throw of a die, or other arrangements. Alternately, a series of unrelated holes can be provided, which holes are adapted for receiving pegs in accordance with the occurrence of some happening. Suitable art work can be applied to the playing face to complement the general theme of the game.

In the game shown in FIGURE 1, the theme of the game is a trip through a haunted house. In order to stimulate increased interest in the game, certain action features are included. For instance, when the peg 27 is inserted in the hole 25(a), an adjacent door 41 is opened. Portrayed under the door, in position to be viewed when the door is opened, is a skeleton, although a ghost, or other representation calculated to lend interest to the game could be used. When the peg 27 is inserted into the hole 25(b) the element 31 is randomly projected out of the playing face 23, which element takes the form of a ghost or monster. If desired, the element which is projected relative to the playing face could carry a suitable message or instruction, as for instance, Lose 1 Turn, or simply Beware. Alternately, the element could be fashioned to resemble an animal, figure, or the like.

Various kinds of pegs can be utilized. The peg 27 shown in FIGURE 2, includes an enlarged head portion .3 and a shank or stem 45 of reduced diameter, thereby providing a shoulder which limits inward travel of the peg 2.7 through the playing face 23.

The movable element 31 can be mounted on the game board in various ways for movement relative tothe playing face. In the specifically disclosed construction, the element is movable to a position in which at least a part of the element is in projecting relation to the playing face. Preferably, the element 31 is formed with a cross shaft 47 which is located intermediate the ends of the element and which is pivotally mounted in a pair'of brackets 49 projecting from the base 37. The element 31 is formed so that depression of one end 51 causes the element, as a whole, to pivot relative to the game board, thereby eX- tending the other end 53 through an aperture 55 into projecting relation to the playing face. The element 31 is returned to its normal position by gravity. However, if desired, biasing means, such as a spring, could be employed.

In the case of a movable element such as the door 41, the door can be pivoted either tothe playing face/23 or to the base 37 in generally adjacent relation to the playing face, the door having a tab or ear located under the playing face in position for engagement by the random operation mechanism.

The mechanism 2% for randomly positioning the element into projecting relation to the playing face includes a movable member which, as shown in the disclosed construction, takes the general form of a disc 57, and which is mounted on the game board'for randomly shifting movement in one plane and for movement out of this plane in response to engagement by the peg 27. More specifically, the disc 57 shown in the drawings is mounted for free rotational movement on a pivot stud 5? supported by the game board in generally perpendicular relation to the playing face, i.e., in generally parallel relation to the direction of insertion of the peg. As'shown, the pivot stud 5? includes an upper part 61 which is of reduced diameter as compared to the lower part 63, thereby defining a shoulder 65 on which the disc 57 is supported in generally parallel relation to the playing face 23 and in position to be engaged by the lower end of the stem 45 of the peg 27 prior to full insertion of the P The disc 5'7 includes a central bore d7 which is larger than the diameter of the upper .part 61 of the pivot stud 59, thereby permitting tilting of the disc 57 out of the plane parallel to the playing face 23. However, the size of the central bore 67 is smaller than the diameter of the enlarged lower part 63 of the pivot stud, thereby retaining the disc 5'7 on the shoulder 65.

The disc 57 is constructed so as to randomly cause projection of the element 31 relative to the playing face. This action can be accomplished in several ways. For instance,'the disc57 could incorporate one or more holes or slots, or the like, which are alignable with the associated hole in the playing face and which are of greater size than the associated hole. Thus, when the hole and one of the slots are aligned, the peg 27 will not engage the disc 57, but will pass through the slot therein. On the other hand, if the slot and associated hole in the playing face are misaligned, the peg 27 will engage the disc 57 and cause tilting of the disc from its position in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction of peg insertion. Such tilting of the disc causes the disc 57 to engage the adjacent end 51 of the element 31 so as to project at least a partof the other end 53 of the element into projecting relation to the playing face 23. i

Alternately, the disc57 can be constructed so that it will always be tilted incident to insertion of a peg 27, but will not always engage the adjacent end of the movable element to cause projection of the element relative to the playing face. In this construction, the disc includes one or more slots which are alignable with the adjacent end of the element so that, when the disc is tilted, the disc can pass the adjacent end of the element Without causing movement thereof into projecting relation to the playing face. However, should the slot or slots be misaligned with the adjacent end of the element, then the element will be projected relative to the playing face when the peg is inserted. v

In the disclosed construction,. the disc 57 includes a series of radial slots 69 around its periphery and through anyone of which both the stem 45 of the peg Z7 and the adjacent end 51 of the element 31 are passable when in alignment therewith. Accordingly, the element will be projectedv relative to the playing face only when the disc 57 is so located as to cause engagement by, and accompanying tilting of, the disc by the insertion of a peg, and'consequent engagement by the disc 5'7 of the adjacent end 51 of the element 31.

In normal operation of the game, there is generally 'suficient shifting or shuttling of the game board to periodically cause some random rotative movement of the disc 57. If desired, other means, such as the use of a spring, can be employed in order to effect random 'rotatlve movement of the disc 57.

As already mentioned, action features operated by a flow of air can also be used. For instance, as shown in FIGURE 5, the random operation mechanism 2? is shown in association with means 71 for producing a flow of air. In the disclosed construction, this means takes the form of a bellows 73 which is collapsible by operation of the disc 57 when the disc is tilted by a peg. When collapsed, the air is passed from the bellows 73 through a read 75 in an aperture in the bellows to provide a sound effect. Although the sound eliect alone could be provided, the sound efiect is shown in conjunction with a movable element '77 so that both a visual and an auditory effect are simultaneously caused by operation of the random operation mechanism.

In FIGURE 6, still another arrangement is shown. In this instance, the random operation mechanism has associated ther with an electric switch 79 including a pair of contact members 81 and 83. The contact member 81 has an extension 85 thereon which is engageable by the disc 57 when the disc is tilted, to displace the contact member 81 toward the other contact member so as to complete an electrical circuit. As in the embodiment shown in 5, a movable element 87 is also provided so that a continued effect is achieved, as for instance, the projection of the element 87 and the lighting of a bulb or the engaging of a solenoid to ring a bell or to perform some other function.

While the above action features have generally been described in connection with a random operation mech anism, certain advantages of the invention can also be secured without association of the action feature or features with the random operation mechanism, i.e., so that the action feature will take place whenever a peg is inserted in the appropriate hole. One such feature is shown in FTGURES 7 and 8.

In this last regard, as shown in FIGURE 1, the end of the path through the haunted house is a circle around which the player continues to travel, until, by chance, he inserts his peg in the hole 25(c). Insertion of the peg 27 in the hole 2 5(0) serves to effect the production of a sound elfect and the bringing to View of a legend reading You Win? More specifically as seen in FIGURES 7 and 8, a pair of spaced supporting brackets 3h extend upwardly from the base 37, having at their upper ends vertically elongated sockets 91 for receiving the hinge pins 93 of a pivotally and linearly displaceable member 95. The sockets 1 are elongated vertically in order to permit vertical displacement of the member 95, as well as angular displacement incident to the insertion of a peg into the associated hole. The member 95, as seen best in FIGURE 8, has three leafs or arms 97, 99, and 1 11, which arms extend generally from the axis connecting the hinge pins 3. The first arm 97 extends into position for engagement with a peg inserted through the associated hole 25(c). The second arm 99 extends at an obtuse angle to the first arm 97 and carries the legend You Win. The third arm 191 extends at slightly more than a right angle to the first arm 97 and is adapted to releasably engage a sound producing mechanism 1%3 incident to insertion of a peg into the associated hole. The displaceable member is biased to engage the first arm 9'7 with the under-surface of the playing face 23 by a spring 1155 which is disposed about a central part of the displaceable member with one end engaged by a stud 1137, while the other end is engaged by the side edge of the third arm 1151 to bias the displaceable member 95 in the clockwise direction as seen in FIGURE 8.

The sound mechanism 1113 includes an irregularly shaped spring wire member 1119 which is anchored at one end in a bushing 111 mounted on a stud 113 extending from the base 37. At the other end, the spring wire member 199 has a hammer 115 secured thereto in position for striking a bell 117 which is mounted on a post 119 extending from the base 3'7. Intermediate its ends, the spring wire member 1199 includes a portion 121 (see FIGURE 7) which is engageable by the third arm 101 of the displaceable member 95.

More particularly, in operation, when a peg 29' is inserted into the associated hole 25(c), the lower end of the peg 29 engages the first arm 97 of the displaceable member 55 so as to initially depress the displaceable member to the bottom of the sockets 91 in the brackets 89 and then to pivot the displaceable member in the counter clockwise direction, as seen in FIGURE 8. The general depression of the displaceable member 95 locates the third arm 1111 so that following pivotal movement of the displaceable member results in engagement of the portion 121 or" the spring wire member 1119 and the consequent displacement of the spring wire member under tension. However, as the pivotal movement of the displaceable member 95 is continued, incident to full insertion of the peg into the associated hole, the third arm 1111 rides as the portion 121, thereby releasing the spring wire member 1119 from its tensioned position so as to strike and ring the bell 117.

At the same time, the second arm 99, bearing the in scription You Win, is elevated in adjacent underlying the spring wire member 169 includes a portion 121 (see FIGURE 1), so as to be readable by a player.

As already mentioned, movement of the pegs along the path of holes on theplaying face is determined by the spinner mechanism 33 which is incorporated in the game board and can be enclosed by the playing face 23 or, as in the specifically disclosed construction, by a cover shell 124 attached to the playing face. More specifically, this mechanism includes a multi-sided barrel 125 which is mounted for rotation by a pair of trunnions 127 and 121 which are supported in a pair of brackets 131 and 133 extending from the base 37. Each of the sides or faces of the barrel bears one instruction or message determining the future play of the game, which, in the disclosed construction, as seen in FIGURE 1, is a number. The trunnion 127 carries a scalloped star wheel 134- which has the same number of arcuate sections as the barrel 125 has sides and which is engageable by a spring blade 135 attached to the base 37 to insure that one side or face of the barrel will always be in proper registration relative to the viewing aperture 3% in the cover. shell 124 at the end of the spinning operation.

The other trunnion 139 carries a gear 137 which is engageable by an arcuate tooth section 139 of a plate 141 carried on a cross shaft 143 which is journalled in a pair of supports 145 extending from the base 37. Also carried by the cross shaft 143 is an operating lever 14 7 which extends through a slot 14? in the cover shell 143 and a finger 151 which serves to operate a noise making mechanism 153 incident to operation of the spinner mechanism 33.

Various noise making mechanisms can be arranged for actuation incident to spinning operation. In the disclosed construction, a bellows 155 and a whistle 157 are employed to provide an eerie whistling sound incident to forward or counter clockwise movement of the operating lever 147 as seen in FIGURE 10;

More particularly, the bellows 155 includes a pair of hinged boards 159 and 161 which are urged apart from one another by an internal spring 163. The bellows 155 is supported by attachment of the board 159 to a bracket 165 fixed to the base 37. The other or movable board 161 has an extension 167 which is engageable by the finger 151 whenever the operating lever is drawn forwardly, thereby displacing the movable board 161 toward the fixed board 159 and creating a how of air from the bellows 155. The whistle 157 is carried on the fixed board 159 of the r t bellows and communicates with the outlet port of the bellows so as to provide an eerie sound efiect every time the operating lever 3.47 is drawn forwardly.

generally surrounding relation to the cross shaft 143 with one end engaged against the floor of the base 37 and with the other end engaged along the forward edge of the operating lever 147. Movement of the operating lever in the clockwise direction under the influence of the spring 169 is arrested by engagement of the lower edge of the plate 141 with the base 37.

When the operating lever 147 is in its rearwardmost position, as seen in FIGURE 10, the arcuate tooth section 139 of the plate 141 is disengaged from the gear 137 on the barrel 125 and the movable board 161 of the bellows 155 is spaced from the fixed board 159.

Forward drawing of the operating lever 147 acts to tension the spring l6 and, at the same time, engages the arcuate tooth section 139 with the gear 137 associated with the barrel 25, In addition, as the operating lever is drawn forwardly, the sound making mechanism 53 is operated to produce the eerie sound. Forward movement of the operating lever is limited by a lug 171 at the lower outer edge of the plate, which lug is engageable V with the teeth of the gear 137.

When the operating lever is released, the spring 169 rapidly rotates the cross shaft 143 clockwise, as seen in FIGURE 10, thereby also rotating the barrel 125 in the clockwise direction. Rearward release movement of the operating lever is halted by engagement of the lower edge of the plate 141 with the floor of the base. In this position, the arcuate tooth section 139 is disengaged from the gear 137, thereby permitting the barrel 125 to continue rotating until all of its momentum is dissipated. The spring blade 135 and the star wheel 133 insure that the barrel will come to rest with one side properly located under the viewing aperture 39. Release movement of the operating lever also permits the spring 163 in the bellows 155 to separate the boards 159 and 161 so as to fill the bellows with air for the next operation or" the spinner mechanism 33.

As can be readily understood, the disclosed arrangements for providing action features, either auditory, visual, or both, and whether electrically, pneumatically, or mechanically operated, heighten the attractiveness of any peg game incorporating such arrangements. Moreover, when such arrangements are associated with a random operation device,'further fascination is imparted by'reason of the chance element which adds suspense and results in a different sequence of events in every game. Moreover, the disclosed game also incorporates a spinner mechanism which avoids controversy among the players by always providing a clear indication or instruction, and in addition, provides an eerie and entertaining sound efiect incident to operation thereof.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: V

1. A game comprising a game board having a playing face with a series of openings therein, at least one peg which is selectively insertable in any of said openings according to the play of the game, a member mounted by said game board beneath said playing face and adjacent to one of said openings, said member being randomly rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to said playing face and displaceable, incident to engagement by said peg when inserted in said one opening, from a first position to a second position, said member having a hole therein which is alignable with said one opening so as to avoid engagement of said member by said peg when said peg is inserted in said one opening, and an element movably mounted on said game board adjacent said one opening in position for engagement by said member incident to movement thereof to said second position so as to control the operation of an action feature associated with said game, whereby when said peg is inserted in said one opening and said hole is misaligned with said one opening, said member is engaged by said peg and displaced to its second position so as to control the operation of said action feature.

2. A game comprising a game board having a playing surface including a series of openings therein defining a path of movement for the players, a marker to be moved along the path and which is insertable into any of the series of openings in the board, chance means for deter mining the extent of movement of said marker along said path by a player, play instruction means including a member movably supported on said board for generally out ward movement relative thereto and a message on said board which is exposed only when said member is moved outwardly of the board, and operating means rotatably mounted on the'back surface of said board for movement into a position of engagement with said movable member to effect said outward movement of the latter relative to said board, said operating means including a portion positionable for engagement by said marker when the latter is inserted into a predetermined one of said openings, and being movable in response to movement of said marker relative to said board'to thereby effect movement of said movable member relative to said board to expose said message, and said operating means including another portion thereof which permits movement of said marker relative to said predetermined opening without elfecting movement of said movable member, so that there is provided a random operation of said movable member dependent upon the position of said operating means at the time said marker is inserted into said opening. 1

3. A game comprising a game board having a playing surface illustrating a building and including a series of openings therein defining a path of movement through the building for the players, a marker to be moved along said path and which is insertable into any of the series of openings in the board to indicate the progress of a player along said path, chance means for determining the extent of movement of said marker for each player along said path, means defining a door for the building which is mounted on said board for swinging movement outwardly relative to the playing surface of the board, and door operating means supported on said board for rotational movement relative thereto and relative to said door, said door operating means including a portion thereof positionable for engagement by said marker when the latter is inserted into a predetermined one oftsaid openings and being movable in response to movement of said marker to effect opening movement of said door, and said door operating means including another portion thereof which permits movement of said marker relative to said prede termined opening without effecting opening movement of said door, so that there is provided a random operation of the door dependent upon the position of the door operating means at the time said marker is inserted into said opening.

4. A- game comprising a game board having a playing surface illustrating a building and including a series of openings therein defining a path of movement through the building for the players, a marker to be moved along said path and which is insertable into any of hte openings in the board to indicate the progress of a player along said path,

chance means for determining the extent of movement of said marker along said path comprising a rotatable ele ment, noise means, and means for effecting rotation of said element and the sounding of said noise means, means defining a door for the building which is mounted on said board for movement outwardly relative to the playing surface of the board, and door operating means supported on the back of said board for movement relative thereto and relative to said door, said door operating means including *3 a portion thereof positionable for engagement by said marker when the latter is inserted into a predetermined one of said openings which portion is movable in response to movement of said marker to effect opening movement of said door, and said door operating means including another portion thereof which permits movement of said marker relative to said predetermined opening without effecting opening movement of said door, so that there is provided a random operation of the door dependent upon the position of the door operating means at the time said 10 marker is inserted into said opening.

19 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,805,837 5/31 Mills 273143 2,490,325 12/49 Schmidt et a1. 273-139 2,555,010 5/51 Schnabolk 273143 2,766,988 10/56 Haumersen 273139 2,801,108 7/57 Peterson 273-142 X LOUIS R. PRINCE, Primary Examiner.

JAMES W. LOVE, Examiner. 

2. A GAME COMPRISING A GAME BOARD HAVING A PLAYING SURFACE INCLUDING A SERIES OF OPENINGS THEREIN DEFINING A PATH OF MOVEMENT FOR THE LAYERS, A MARKER TO BE MOVED ALONG THE PATH AND WHICH IS INSERTABLE INTO ANY OF THE SERIES OF OPENINGS IN THE BOARD, CHANCE MEANS FOR DETERMINING THE EXTENT OF MOVEMENT OF SAID MARKER ALONG SAID PATH BY A PLAYER, PLAY INSTRUCTION MEANS INCLUDING A MEMBER MOVABLY SUPPORTED ON SAID BOARD FOR GENERALLY OUTWARD MOVEMENT RELATIVE THERETO AND A MESSAGE ON SAID BOARD WHICH IS EXPOSED ONLY WHEN SAID MEMBER IS MOVED OUTWARDLY OF THE BOARD, AND OPERATING MEANS ROTATABLY MOUNTED OF THE BOARD, AND OPERATING MEANS ROTATABLY INTO A POSITION OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID MOVABLE MEMBER TO EFFECT SAID OUTWARD MOVEMENT WITH SAID MOVABLE MEMBER SAID BOARD, SAID OPERATING MEANS INCLUDING A PORTION POSITIONABLE FOR ENGAGEMENT BY SAID MARKER WHEN THE LATTER IS INSERTED INTO A PREDETERMINED ONE OF SAID OPENINGS, AND BEING MOVABLE IN RESPONSE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID MARKER RELATIVE TO SAID BOARD TO THEREBY EFFECT MOVEMENT OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBER RELATIVE TO SAID BOARD TO EXPOSE SAID MESSAGE, AND SAID OPERATING MEANS INCLUDING ANOTHER PORTION THEREOF WHICH PERMITS MOVEMENT OF SAID MARKER RELATIVE TO SAID PREDETERMINED OPENING WITHOUT EFFECTING MOVEMENT OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBER, SO THAT THERE IS PROVIDED A RANDOM OPERATION OF SAID MOVABLE MEMBER DEPENDENT UPON THE POSITION OF SAID OPERATING MEANS AT THE TIME SAID MARKER IS INSERTED INTO SAID OPENING. 